Serenity and open space are hallmarks of Brookline, a town of about 2,800 located just to the west of Hollis, along the Massachusetts border. Of the nearly 13,000 acres in town, over 8,000 remain undeveloped. Brookline is a typical “country” New Hampshire town with its small village center, rolling hills with granite outcroppings, and colonial-era homes tucked away among the miles of rural roadways. However typical some might consider it, Brookline proudly claims a noteworthy history all its own. For example, from a town population of only 134 in 1775, 42 men responded to the call to arms at Lexington, Concord, Bunker Hill, and other battles of the Revolutionary War. This is a record that few New Hampshire towns can meet. Brookline was settled in 1741 and incorporated in 1769. It was originally called “Raby,” in honor of one of the English peerages held by the Wentworths, the family that governed the colony for half of the 18th century. It was reincorporated as Brookline in 1798.

Essentially, most business enterprises in Brookline have been one-person or family businesses, with the exception of the Fresh Pond Ice Cream Company, at one time the largest icehouse under one roof in the country and employing several hundred men. Of course, this was before the advent of refrigeration. Currently, the largest employers in town are Grant Plastics, Inc., Bingham Lumber, and Hall Manufacturing.

Today, Brookline remains a close-knit community. Although located on peaceful country roads, residents and businesses have quick and easy access to Nashua and Massachusetts commercial and cultural centers. The town has its own elementary school (K-6) and older children ride the bus to schools in Hollis. Residents enjoy local natural resources such as the Talbot-Taylor Wildlife Sanctuary, Nissitissit River, Beaver Brook, and Lake Potanipo.